When you are watching TV, you hear it many times, scratch, scratch, chew, chew.
Yes, that is the most annoying sound, but it’s nothing compared to how your dog feels trying to get rid of itchy skin or related disorders.
Now, how do you relieve itchy skin on dogs? The best to do it is through diet.
Let’s have a look at the best dog foods for itchy skin.
Why do dogs get itchy skin?
Before going to the best dog foods for itchy skin, have a look at why dogs get the itch.
They get itch just like a human, there are many possible reasons in dogs, and one of the major ones is allergy.
According to Doug Knueven, DVM, a holistic vet with Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, Pennsylvania, the symptoms of allergies include rash, itching, and hair loss.
Dr. Dodds said Malassezia yeast infections, dry, flaky skin, and dandruff as causes of chronic itching and chewing and licking feet.
The best dog food for itchy skin
While topical medicines may give relief (or even a toy to get your dog’s psyche briefly centered somewhere else), don’t neglect the advantages that originate from the inside-out methodology. Namely, using food and supplements to help heal the skin while nourishing the body.
“Typically, once flea bite preventive strategies are used (e.g., topical flea adulticide), one will try and see if addressing any underlying food allergies will help reduce scratching,” Dr. Delaney says. “This is done — as environmental allergens often cannot be completely avoided — and treatment is more challenging.”
Yet, where to start when it comes to the best dog food for itchy skin? Veterinarians depict numerous methodologies. “Grain-and sans gluten foods are savvy, to begin with, in addition to restricting meats and fowl to grass-nourished rather than grain-bolstered,” as indicated by Dr. Dodds.
“If skin issues are just a poor-quality coat or skin flakiness, a change to another commercial food slightly richer in essential nutrients that support skin health may be indicated,” Dr. Delaney says. “Key essential nutrients supporting skin health include protein, amino acids (especially an often limiting one, methionine), linoleic acid (the essential fatty acid), vitamin A, some B vitamins and trace minerals like zinc.”
Best food:
Royal Canin Ultamino: This food is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins to minimize allergic reactions and improve skin health.
Purina Pro Plan veterinary diets HA hydrolyzed chicken flavor: Designed for sensitive skin this diet helps reduce skin irritation.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & coat: Contains salmon which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health.
Hill’s science diet dry dog food for sensitive stomachs: Helps with both digestive and skin sensitivities.
IAMS advanced health skin & coat chicken and salmon recipe: Combines chicken and salmon to provide essential nutrients for healthy skin.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet to ensure it meets their specific needs.
How to shift your dog to find the best dog food for itchy skin
When you change your dog’s eating regimen to find the best dog food for itchy skin, abstain from going immediately. “A change to a crude eating routine, or any food change, ought to be done regularly,” Dr. Knueven says. “Start by including ¼ the measure of the suggested everyday measure of the new food and ¾ of the present eating routine. After a week, increment it to 50/50. Again, after another week, go to ¾ new food and ¼ past food. After a week, give only the new food.”
Dr. Delaney has another tip for progressing to the best dog food for itchy skin. “The impacts on the GI tract of an unexpected eating regimen change can be limited by guaranteeing the new food genuinely is novel for the pet, and the fat, fiber, and moisture levels are kept fairly like the past diet.”
What does not feed a dog with itchy skin?
Then there’s the other side of figuring out what to sustain a dog plagued by dermatological issues — what not to feed.
Again, this can differ. Dr. Dodds prescribes an Eastern medication approach. “Avoid pro-inflammatory ‘hot’ foods in Chinese drug chicken and venison, in addition to related fats, oils, and flavorings. Quieting foods are turkey and white-shaded fish. Keep away from shellfish by and large.”
FAQ’S
What causes itchy skin in dogs?
Itchy skin in dogs can be caused by various factors including food allergies environmental allergens parasites and underlying health conditions. It’s important to identify the root cause to effectively address the issue.
What ingredients should I look for in dogs’ foods for itchy skin?
Look for high-quality protein sources such as salmon venison or duck. Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are crucial for skin health. Ingredients like fish oil flaxseed and chicken fat are good sources of fatty acids.
Can a change in diet help with my dog’s itchy skin?
Yes, switching to a diet formulated for skin health can help reduce itchiness if the cause is related to food sensitivities. Limited-ingredient diets can also be beneficial as they reduce the number of potential allergens.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for itchy skin involves selecting a diet that addresses potential allergies and supports overall skin health. High-quality proteins like salmon or duck and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are crucial. Recommended brands include Royal Canin Ultamino Purina pro plan veterinary diets HA hydrolyzed chicken flavor blue buffalo true solutions perfect skin & coat and Hill’s Science Diet dry dog food for sensitive stomachs. Always consult with a veterinarian before making dietary changes to ensure the new food meets your dog’s specific needs. By addressing these factors, you can help alleviate your dog’s itchy skin and improve their overall well-being.
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